Balloon fiesta hailed as 'one of the best'

Four of the six mass ascents went ahead during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2025

This year's Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - which saw more than 300 balloon flights over the weekend - was "one of the best", its director has said.

Thousands of people descended on Ashton Court Estate over the weekend to watch the hot air balloons take off and see the iconic nightglows.

Ben Hardy, executive director of the fiesta, said the event was in his "top three" after 15 years in the job.

Mr Hardy said a tear "rolled down" his cheek during Sunday's mass ascent.

Official turnout figures have not yet been released but organisers estimate that as many as 300,000 people turned out over the three days.

The final mass ascent of the 47th edition of the fiesta saw many colourful balloons soar across the city during a beautiful sunset.

"To finish a fiesta weekend with a mass ascent like the one we had straight over the city - I have to say me and a few team members sat in that arena as the last balloon took off and a little tear did roll down the cheek," Mr Hardy said.

The spectacle is a major part of the fiesta weekend.

Six ascents were planned across the three days showcasing a display of balloons across Bristol's skylines but this year only four took place as two were called off due to the weather.

Included in the balloon ascents were fan favourites that fly every year as well as new editions such as a 143ft (43.5m) dragon called Oggy.

US pilot Jack Semler, who flew Oggy the Dragon, said the photos of the hot air balloon were "fabulous".

He added: "Some of them come across as funny at times - the way he is seen to be eating some local homes."

Mr Hardy hinted on BBC Radio Bristol that the owners of Oggy the Dragon may return with a scarecrow balloon next year.

Work on next year's Balloon Fiesta begins in September, he said.